Kangaroo Island

When planning what things to do on Kangaroo Island we totally underestimated how big this island was – It’s huge! It’s Australia’s third largest island after Tassie and Melville Island, NT. Over one-third of the island is a protected nature reserve which makes it a great destination to experience an abundance of native Australian Wildlife in its natural habitat.

We managed to cover most of the major attractions in 24 hours. If we’d planned a little better, we would have stayed for at least 3 days. There is easily enough to do and see for a month long visit, exploring the many hidden gems and over 500km’s of spectacular coastline.

A number of airstrips on the island welcome visitors, we chose to land at Kingscote which is the main airport used by the airlines. Car Hire companies operate from here, so it was easy to grab a car and head on our way.

Car is the only way to get around if you want to explore everything on offer. Hire Cars are quite expensive, (cost us around $160AUD for 1 day) which is why our stay was so short. If you are hiring a car, check with the hire company to make sure it can be taken on dirt roads, or it will restrict many of the places you can visit. Most of the main roads are sealed, but there are many unsealed roads across the island. Where possible avoid driving from dusk to dawn as lots of animals are out at night. You will likely damage your car and kill the animals.

Johnson Airstrip, located near American River, is another airstrip well worth visiting. Being on private property it is in a lovely location offering Bed and Breakfast for around $200 per night per couple. They have a car available for their visiting guests, so it also makes a great base for exploring the island.

Our tips when visiting Kangaroo Island:

Check out Stokes Bay and maze your way through the rocks to the hidden beach.

November to February is the best time to visit to enjoy the warmer weather.

Things to do on Kangaroo Island

The list of things to do on Kangaroo Island is endless. Kangaroo Island tourism information has it well covered. www.tourkangarooisland.com.au. Below are the attractions we enjoyed during our stay.

Seal Bay

If your keen on experiencing a rare colony of wild Australian Sea Lions’, Seal Bay is the place to do it. You have to pay to access the park, but it includes a guided tour among the Sea Lion. If you don’t want to pay to see the seals, check out the Visitor’s Center at the entrance to the park. Acess to the Visitor’s Center is free and it has lots of interesting things to see and learn about the Sea Lions.

Little Sahara

Little Sahara is an area of Sand Dunes covering approximately 2 square kilometers. The naturally occurring dunes are the result of Coastal Blowout, which normally occurs closer to the sea. Take a walk around the dunes or if you’re after a little more adrenaline pumping activity, hire a sand toboggan from the kiosk. There is a dune just the right size for any skill or fitness level, and it’s a lot of fun for all ages.

Where: South Coast Road, Kangaroo IslandInfo: Kangaroo Outdoor ActionTips: It is free to visit the sand dunes, but hiring a toboggan is fairly expensive. One hour hire should be long enough – you’re doing well if you can last that long up and down the dunes!

Vivonne Bay

Voted one of Australia’s top beaches because of it’s crystal clear water and white sandy beaches. Centrally located to many of the Islands top attractions, it’s a handy location to stay when visiting the south-west part of the island. Also, it’s a great spot for fishing, swimming & walking.

Where: Off South Coast RoadTips: The Campground at Vivonne Bay is one of the more popular camping grounds on the island. You cannot book in advance, it’s first come, first serve basis.Info:Camping Information

Remarkable Rocks

Yep, they are just some random rocks that people come from all over the world to see! They look pretty cool, but they are just rocks. The lookout over the ocean is stunning and it’s a great place for a photo opportunity.

Where: Flinders Chase National ParkTip: You need to buy a pass to access Flinders Chase National Park. You can pay upon arrival, but they prefer you pre-purchase your pass online.Info:Flinders Chase National Park

Admirals Arch

Admirals Arch is another impressive rock formation in the Flinders Chase National Park. If you haven’t seen a Seal so far on Kangaroo Island, you are guaranteed to see (and smell) them here.

Where: Flinders Chase National ParkTips: The walk on the way to the Admirals Arch is nearly as impressive as the destination. Make sure you are aware of the park opening hours so you don’t get locked in or out.Info:Flinders Chase National Park

Stokes Bay

A picture perfect beach with crystal clear water and white sandy beaches. A friendly local suggested we visit here. When we arrive we thought it was nothing special, until we saw a sign hidden in some rocks reading ‘beach’. We followed it through a maze of boulders and came out to this amazing white sandy private beach. It took us both by surprise!

Where: Stokes Bay Road, on the Northern side of the Island.Tips: The main beach is nothing special. Find the sign on the rocks pointing you to the hidden beach, and make sure you remember how to get back.

Artisans & Island Products

Across the island, you find artists, fine food experiences and island produce. Some of these include:

This information should only be used as a guide. This information is accurate at time of post and is subject to change, and may contain errors. Please always use official documentation for planning your flight.

The two best airstrips on Kangaroo Island is the main public Kingscote Airport, and a privately owned stip near American River known as Johnson Airstrip. We chose to land at Kingscote Airstrip.

Kingscote Airstrip

01/19 Bitumen 1402m long; 15/33 Bitumen 1384m long; 06/24 Unsealed

Fuel

No Fuel Available.

Landing Fee's

Landing Fee’s Apply

Facilities

There is a terminal with access to public toilets food and drink and car hire.

Transport

Various car hire companies operate from this airport. The best way to get around is by car.

Operator

Kangaroo Island Council. Permission is not required to land.

There is no shortage of accommodation options all over the island. If you are planning to camp at the council operated campgrounds be aware that you cannot book in advance, it is first come, first served. Allow enough time to find alternative accomodation if the campground you have chosen is full.

Kingscote has a large supermarket that has everything you need. If you prefer eating out there are many restaurants and Cafes in the Kingscote and Penshaw townships. A sprinkling of Resturants & Cafe’s can be found right across the island, book in advance if you don’t want to be caught out.

Have you visited Kangaroo Island?
Leave a comment below if there is something you recommend doing or seeing on Kangaroo Island.

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